Welcome to the Ashby Canal Association
Ashby Canal Association (ACA) was formed in 1966, born out of concern caused by progressive closure of the northern 8 miles due to mining subsidence. ACA is now actively promoting their restoration and re-connection to the navigable canal and over recent years the Association’s work-parties have significantly contributed to the voluntary effort of the restoration project.
The Association seeks to promote the canal and its surroundings as an amenity for all users, whether walkers, anglers, boaters or a canal related business. At the same time it is intent on preserving the canal’s rural character. Our newsletter “Spout” is published quarterly and delivered to all members of the Association. ACA organises social events at various times of the year, as well as illustrated talks during the winter months. Check our news & events page for details. ACA fully supports the Ashby Canal Trust and their annual Moira Canal Festival held in May. The Association is a registered charity; it receives no funding from any official source. ACA is affiliated to the Inland Waterways Association.
We have a base at Snarestone Wharf (postcode DE12 7DD) where there is an information kiosk, shop for souvenirs and bric- a- brac, Locally made ice creams and drinks are usually available. Also visitor moorings and slipway. The restored stretch of canal here is popular with stand-up paddle boarders.
Gilwiskaw Brook Aqueduct Appeal
In 1804 the the Ashby Canal was completed, including an aqueduct over the Gilwiskaw Brook. The brook runs from north of Ashby de la Zouch to the river Mease, just east of the canal crossing. The brook is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which gives it a high degree of protection for its wildlife interest. The Ashby Canal is currently being restored. A significant length has been being rebuilt north of Snarestone Wharf to the current terminus just beyond newly built bridge 62, and the canal bed has been levelled and graded beyond there. A footpath link to Measham is currently being created by volunteers. One of the next major steps in the restoration is to get a new aqueduct built to a design approved by Natural England, (the national body overseeing wildlife protection and countryside access) to replace the one that was demolished in the 1960s when this northern length of the canal was abandoned. Leicestershire County Council now has full permission to build the canal to Measham, and is currently in the process of transferring its powers under the Transport and Works Act Order to Ashby Canal Association. You can help the Ashby Canal Association raise money towards building the new aqueduct through our ‘Buy a brick’ appeal below.
Buy a brick
These bricks are planned to be included in the fascia brickwork of the aqueduct parapets once the structure is completed, forming a lasting and visible contribution. For the time being, until the aqueduct is built these bricks are on display at Snarestone Wharf as can be seen in the image below.
How can you help?
1 – Buy a plain brick for £10
2 – Buy an inscribed brick for £100
3 – Make a donation of any amount, large or small
To buy a brick online
(Alternatively click here to download and print out a form to post to us)
Moira section restoration
Over a decade ago a mile or so of canal was restored between Donisthorpe and Moira. This stretch includes two footbridges, a swing-bridge, a road bridge, and a lock. Two slipways are available. It has matured into a lovely stretch of canal, popular with canoeists, walkers, and anglers. Trail boaters from around the country attend the annual Moira Canal Festival held at the Moira Furnace site in May. The new terminus basin is at Conkers Waterside – adjacent to the National Forest Visitor Centre – with plenty of car parking, and access to trails through the adjacent Sarah’s Wood. There are also many footpaths and walks in the Donsithorpe Woodland Park which borders the canal towpath to the south of Moira Furnace.
Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs
ACA is affiliated to the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs. ACA Members can access ‘Alert’ the newsletter of the AWCC by going on to their website: www.awcc.org.uk Boating members have the benefits of AWCC membership as they travel around the waterways..
Act of Parliament
We have photographed the original Act of Parliament relating to the creation of the Ashby Canal.
You can view the complete document by clicking HERE.
The file may take a while to download.
Want to help us raise funds?
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be raising free donations for the Ashby Canal Association with easyfundraising?
There are over 4,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds.
All you need to do is:
- Go to easyfundraising.org.uk and join for free.
- Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
- After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to the Ashby Canal Association at no extra cost to you whatsoever!
There are no catches or hidden charges and the Ashby Canal Association will be really grateful for your donations.
Thank you for your support.
Click here to see other ways of making a donation towards the restoration of the Ashby Canal.